Washington, DC – Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) issued the following statement after reports indicated that leading Cuban pro democracy activists Marta Beatriz Roque Cabello and Jorge Luis Garcia Perez “Antunez” health was deteriorating due to their ongoing hunger strike. Both of these brave and principled freedom fighters, as well as others across the island, are on hunger strikes to protest the brutality, repression and lack of human rights under the Castro dictatorship.

Said Ros-Lehtinen, “I am very concerned over reports that both Marta Beatriz and ‘Antunez’ have suffered a sharp decline in their health because of their hunger strikes. These brave and courageous freedom fighters are willing to risk it all in order to draw attention to their desperate plight against the brutal and entrenched Castro tyranny. Yet, the world ignores their struggle and kowtows to the octogenarian despots that have misruled Cuba for more than half a century.

While I fully support the pro democracy activists in all that they do against the Castro brothers, I am worried that their health will continue to deteriorate and the cause for freedom in Cuba can ill afford anymore losses. I urge the Obama Administration and all responsible nations to stand in solidarity with these brave men and women, repeal all concessions to the regime, and condemn the ongoing brutality of the Castro family dictatorship.”